Battleship North Carolina Marks 65 Years with Special Events in Wilmington
News related to:Battleship North Carolina Memorial · 2 min read
Wilmington, NC, Sept. 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Battleship North Carolina Memorial is marking a significant milestone this weekend, celebrating 65 years of its permanent berth on the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, North Carolina. The event, which runs from October 2 to 4, is a testament to the collective effort of North Carolinians who, in 1961, came together to preserve the historic U.S.S. North Carolina (BB-55) as a memorial to the 11,000 North Carolinians who gave their lives during World War II.
On the anniversary of the ship's arrival, October 2, the memorial will host a Berth-Day celebration aboard the ship. Visitors are invited to join in the festivities, which will include a "Happy Berth-Day" sing-along and cake. This event is free with regular admission to the memorial.
Saturday, October 3, will see the launch of a special $6 for 60 Tours. These guided tours of the Main Deck will provide visitors with a 60-minute exploration of the ship’s history. Following the tour, visitors can continue their exploration at their own pace. The tours are presented by the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina.
In the evening, the Brunswick Brass Band will perform a musical salute to the Battleship, featuring World War II-era swing and patriotic music. This event is also part of the Friends of the Battleship North Carolina’s offerings.
Each evening during the Berth-Day weekend, the Battleship North Carolina Memorial will be illuminated in red, white, and blue, offering a picturesque view from various vantage points along the Cape Fear River. The illumination can be enjoyed from sunset until the early hours of the morning.
Special admission offers will be available throughout the weekend. Original participants in the 1961 Save Our Ship campaign will receive admission for $6.50 in recognition of the Battleship’s 65th anniversary. North Carolina and New York residents may receive $13 adult admission in honor of the 13 original colonies and America’s 250th birthday. A valid North Carolina- or New York-issued ID is required for this offer.
The memorial, which is part of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, is dedicated to preserving the memory of North Carolinians who served their country during World War II. The U.S.S. North Carolina (BB-55) is America’s most decorated World War II battleship, and its permanent berth serves as a place of learning, remembrance, and inspiration for generations of visitors.